Riding a bike is fun and good for your health, but accidents can happen, especially in busy places like Baltimore. If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash, you might have big medical bills, miss time at school or work, and feel scared or confused about what comes next.
The Bishop Law Group is here for you. We know how hard it can be after a bike accident, and we want to help. Our Baltimore bicycle accident lawyers can explain your rights, find out who is responsible, and work to get you money for your injuries and other problems. We’ll guide you through every step and fight for what you deserve.
If you or someone close to you has been in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get help. Call The Bishop Law Group to set up a free meeting with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer. We help people all across Maryland, including Baltimore and Ocean City.
Understanding the Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Riding a bicycle can be a healthy, fun, and eco-friendly way to get around. But even though bikes are a great option for travel and exercise, they come with risks—especially when sharing the road with cars and trucks. Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, and it’s important to understand why they happen.
Collisions With Motor Vehicles
Low Visibility
Bicycles are much smaller than cars, so they’re harder for drivers to see—especially at night, in bad weather, or when there’s heavy traffic. If a driver doesn’t notice a cyclist in time, they may not have enough time to stop or avoid a collision.
Distracted Driving
Distractions like texting, using a GPS, or eating while driving can take a driver’s eyes off the road. When drivers don’t pay full attention, they might miss seeing a cyclist in their lane or fail to stop in time, causing an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Some crashes happen because drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances affect reaction time, decision-making, and coordination—all of which are important for safely sharing the road with cyclists.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Some rules tell drivers when they must stop or let others go first. If a driver ignores these rules—like running a stop sign or speeding through a crosswalk—they might hit a bicyclist who had the legal right to be there.
Other Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Inexperienced Cyclists
Some riders, especially younger or newer cyclists, may not feel confident riding near traffic. Without experience, they might make unsafe choices like swerving into traffic or ignoring stop signs, which can lead to crashes.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Roads that are not well-maintained can be dangerous. Conditions like:
- Potholes
- Loose gravel
- Cracked pavement
- Debris like sticks or trash
These can cause a bicycle’s tires to slip or throw the rider off balance, leading to an accident even if no other vehicles are involved.
Excessive Speed
Speeding isn’t just a problem for drivers. When cyclists go too fast, they can lose control of their bikes. A sudden turn, bump in the road, or a surprise obstacle can cause a crash—possibly into a car, a tree, or a fence.
Mechanical Failure
Just like cars, bikes need regular maintenance. If a bicycle has a flat tire, broken brakes, or loose parts, the rider may lose control. For example:
- A broken chain may prevent pedaling.
- Weak brakes may not stop the bike in time.
- Loose handlebars can make steering dangerous.
Mechanical problems increase the chance of accidents, especially at high speeds or near traffic.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Baltimore, call (410) 390-3101
Common Bicycle Injuries: A Detailed Overview
Bicycling is a popular and healthy activity, but it comes with risks—especially when sharing roads with motor vehicles. According to the CDC’s Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Motorcycle Safety, each year, nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes on U.S. roads.
Head and Brain Injuries
Types of Injuries
- Skull fractures
- Concussions
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Key Statistics
- Head injuries are involved in 22–47% of bicycle crashes.
- They account for 60% of bicycle-related deaths.
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 60%, brain injury by 58%, and severe TBI by 53%.
- Helmeted riders are 64% less likely to require neurosurgery than non-helmeted riders.
Facial and Eye Injuries
Types of Injuries
- Facial fractures (upper, mid, and lower face)
- Dental trauma
- Soft tissue injuries
- Foreign bodies in the eyes
Key Statistics
- Facial injuries occur in 11–18% of bicycle crashes.
- Helmets reduce facial fractures by:
o 35% in the upper face
o 28% in the mid face
o 21% in the lower face
- Soft tissue injuries are reduced by 33% in the upper face and 21% in the mid-face.
Bone and Joint Injuries
Types of Injuries
- Fractures (arms, legs, collarbone, pelvis)
- Strains and sprains
- Dislocations
Risk Factors
- High-speed crashes
- Falls due to poor road conditions
- Collisions with vehicles or fixed objects
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
Types of Injuries
- Rib fractures
- Lung injuries
- Organ trauma (spleen, liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines)
- Traumatic hernias
Key Statistics
- Handlebar injuries account for 5–14% of blunt abdominal trauma in children.
- These injuries often involve delayed symptoms and can lead to serious complications like pancreatic pseudocysts or bowel perforation.
Skin and Soft Tissue Injuries
Types of Injuries
- Road rash
- Lacerations
- Bruises (contusions)
Prevention
- Wear protective clothing (gloves, long sleeves, padded gear)
- Clean wounds promptly to prevent infection
Chest and Abdominal Injuries
Types of Injuries
- Broken ribs
- Lung damage
- Injuries to internal organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines
- Traumatic hernias
How These Injuries Happen
Chest and abdominal injuries often occur when a rider crashes into the handlebars, another vehicle, or the ground. These types of injuries are especially dangerous for children, who may not show symptoms right away.
According to a BMJ clinical review, bicycle accidents account for 5–14% of blunt abdominal trauma in children. Injuries to solid organs like the spleen and liver are usually seen quickly, but damage to the bowel and pancreas may appear later and can lead to serious complications. In one study, 24% of hospitalized pediatric bike accident patients had direct handlebar injuries, with organ damage including:
- Spleen (5 cases)
- Liver (3 cases)
- Pancreas (3 cases)
- Kidney (2 cases)
- Adrenal gland (1 case)
Why They Matter
These injuries may seem minor, but can be painful and may lead to infection if not treated properly. Road rash is one of the most common crash-related injuries for cyclists. According to the OrthoIndy Cycling Injury Guide, deeper abrasions may require stitches or even skin grafts. Proper wound care—like cleaning and covering with non-stick dressings—helps reduce scarring and speeds up healing.
Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (410) 390-3101
What to Do After a Baltimore Bicycle Crash
Put Your Health First: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay after a crash, you may have injuries that are not immediately visible. For example:
- Concussions may take hours or even days to show symptoms.
- Internal bleeding might not hurt right away, but it could be life-threatening.
Visit a doctor or emergency room to make sure you’re safe. Get copies of medical records and bills—they’re important if you file a personal injury claim later.
Gather and Protect Key Evidence
The more proof you have, the stronger your case will be. Right after the accident, try to:
- Take pictures of your injuries, your bicycle, your helmet, and the area where the crash happened.
- Photograph traffic signs, signals, and any road hazards.
- Keep items like your torn clothing, broken helmet, or damaged bike parts.
These items can help show what happened and how badly you were hurt.
Request a Police Report
If a police officer came to the scene, they likely filled out a report. This report can include:
- Names and contact information of everyone involved
- A diagram of the accident scene
- Any traffic laws that were broken\
Contact Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance provider know about the crash, even if you weren’t at fault. Keep your description of the accident short and accurate:
- Don’t say you were responsible.
- Avoid guessing or giving opinions.
- Focus on facts like where, when, and what happened.
Get Legal Help from a Baltimore Bicycle Accident Attorney
A lawyer who understands Maryland personal injury law can help you:
- Investigate the accident
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File your legal claim on time
- Seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress
Don’t Talk to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Alone
Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible. You may be asked to make a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement. Always speak to your Baltimore wrongful death lawyer before responding. A lawyer can:
- Protect your rights
- Review any settlement offers
- Make sure your long-term costs are covered—not just immediate expenses
Click to contact our Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyers today
Experienced Baltimore Bicycle Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a bicycle accident in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. The Bishop Law Group is committed to helping injured cyclists recover the compensation they deserve.
Call our Baltimore bicycle accident attorneys today or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients across Maryland, including Baltimore, Ocean City, and surrounding communities.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
